About FIRST Robotics

About FIRST ROBOTICS

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational non-profit organization, that aspires to transform culture, making science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today.

FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway Human Transporter as well as the founded of DEKA Research.   FIRST operates the FIRST Robotics Competition in which teams of high school students, sponsored and assisted by local companies and volunteers, design, assemble, and test a robot capable of performing a specified task in competition with other teams. FIRST also runs the FIRST LEGO League, for children 9-14 years old, and FIRST Place, an innovative science and technology center, including a hands-on children's science museum.

FIRST was founded on partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and government. Many Fortune 500 companies provide funding, in-kind donations and volunteers to support the program.

The key to FIRST's success is the work of over 14,000 volunteer mentors, professional engineers, teachers, and other adults working with youth across the country. In addition to the thousands of volunteer team mentors, FIRST competitions and other events were organized and staffed by over 5000 event and committee volunteers. Through these volunteers, FIRST programs engaged over 50,000 youth during the last year. FIRST programs are growing rapidly in the United States and Canada, and demand is accelerating in other countries.

FIRST inspires in young people, their schools, and communities, an appreciation of science and technology, and how mastering these skills can enrich the lives of all. The program is founded on the principals of  "Gracious Professionalism"                   

 Information from the FIRST Robotics Web Site   (www.usfirst.org)

"We cannot say enough GREAT things about F.I.R.S.T!"                                        "We have seen so many great things emerge in our own child as well as all of the other students around us, as a result of FIRST."   The FIRST concept is wonderful and unique.  It marries the students enthusiasm for creativity, critical thinking and building with their school skills such as math, English, science etc.  I have found this program to be so much more than I had ever expected.  It helps to shape their personalities, self-esteem, planning and critical thinking skills, responsibility to self as well as the team.  It teaches so many skills they will use in the real-world . 

I am a firm believer in the "Gracious Professionalism" portion of this program.  Because I feel the bottom line is, if you can build something great but if you cannot get hired or keep a job because so many of your personal skills are lacking- where will you be?  This program addresses all facets of the person and their skills.  If the FIRST program is instrumented correctly the students should come out of this program with a host of marketable skills and information in their arsenal to help them be whatever they would like to be in this world.    ---- D. Weightman (Parent/First Robotics Team Mentor)